--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20250812-mars-licenses-pairwises-crispr-platform-to-advance-cacao-rd/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # Mars licenses Pairwise’s CRISPR platform to advance cacao R&D Publication Date: 12.08.2025, 12:00 Partnership aims to improve crop resilience and address global production challenges. Mars has entered into a licensing agreement with Pairwise to use the agricultural biotech firm’s Fulcrum CRISPR gene-editing platform for cacao research and development. The deal gives Mars access to Fulcrum’s suite of tools, including the SHARC enzyme, which enables precise genetic modifications to enhance desirable traits or reduce undesirable ones. Pairwise says its platform can accelerate breeding timelines compared with conventional methods, allowing traits to be fine-tuned much like adjusting a dimmer switch. Mars intends to apply the technology to improve cacao productivity and resilience, with a focus on mitigating the effects of climate variability, plant diseases and environmental stresses. The company said the effort supports its broader goal of safeguarding global supply chains for key ingredients. “At Mars, we believe CRISPR has the potential to improve crops in ways that support and strengthen global supply chains,” said Carl Jones, Plant Sciences Director at Mars. “Our focus is to transparently and responsibly conduct CRISPR research in plant science that helps crops better adapt to climate challenges, disease pressures and resource constraints.” Pairwise, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Durham, N.C., develops gene-editing tools, enzymes and trait libraries for food and agriculture. “Plant breeding innovation has the potential to help address important agricultural challenges, and we look forward to supporting Mars’ research goals,” said Ian Miller, Pairwise’s chief operating officer. Financial terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed. --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.